Ballroom dancing inspires newlyweds

Wednesday

Dec 31, 2008 at 12:01 AMDec 31, 2008 at 7:16 PM

Ballroom dance instructor Christina Sterba of Sterba’s DanceSport in Naperville, Ill., has seen couples plan their first dances for a year before the big day, while others come in a few days before the wedding to learn some quick steps. Sterba answered a few questions about planning a first dance.

By Laura Knapp

Ballroom dance instructor Christina Sterba of Sterba’s DanceSport in Naperville, Ill., has seen couples plan their first dances for a year before the big day, while others come in a few days before the wedding to learn some quick steps. Sterba answered a few questions about planning a first dance.

Has “Dancing with the Stars” inspired more couples to take ballroom dance lessons to prepare for their first dance?

A lot of couples are putting their first dances on YouTube, too, and that is also inspiring a lot of couples. They see the dances others have done and say, “We want to do something like that, too.”

What types of dances are popular lately for first dances?

A lot of times the couple has already picked out a song they’d like for their first dance. We listen to it and recommend a dance. Cha cha’s, swing, salsa are some other popular types of dance we also recommend.

How many classes do you recommend and what is the cost?

Three to 10 classes are the average number a couple takes to choreograph and practice a first dance. If the couple has a particular song in mind, they would take private lessons. The cost can vary, but we offer an introductory special, which is three 50-minute private lessons for $120 per couple.